After Adam and Eve’s descent into the realm of understanding with evil, there remained a new complication. Entrance to the Garden of Eden was open. This place of tranquil pleasure, where they met with Jesus daily, was to close, blocking the second choice they had overlooked. The Tree of Life was also available. Even though this life-giving tree was among the many given for consumption, their sin made it impossible for them to continue eating of its fruit. Adam and Eve chose the tree that brings death. Every one of our choices brings consequences, for good or harm.

The gate to face-to-face contact closed. The path that led to the Tree of Life God now barred. Cherubim, an order of angels, and a flaming sword flashing back and forth stood guard denying entrance. What a change one indulgent, hasty, self-centered, misstep can make to alter the rest of our lives. We decide without thinking and then face painful results. However, the closing of the gate was not a punishment for wrongdoing, it was to save them perpetually living in a state of sin by eating from the tree of life.

For our sake, God did not leave us to suffer the consequences forever. The sky turned dark the day Jesus died. The heavens split in thunderous protest, and the earth heaved from its bowels at the heinous sight while man rejected the Majesty of heaven. But wait, another event took place at that moment. The curtain that covered the Most Holy Place in the temple, God tore from top to bottom, exposing what the High Priest alone was to see. God had instructed the curtain embroidered with cherubim. These symbolic angels once again guarded the entrance to the Most Holy Place. The price of sin Jesus paid in full. Now mankind, you and I, can approach the throne of grace boldly, unhindered, without a flaming sword between, to meet with our Savior.

Jesus is now our high priest who intercedes for us. Not a frail human being, but Christ Himself. What a day of victory! I can see from my imaginary viewpoint the cherubim in a celebration. Never again will a cherub block our way to the Holy of Holies where Jesus awaits the faintest call of man’s spirit for His Maker.

              Hebrews 4:16 Amplified Bible (AMP)

¹⁶ Therefore let us [with privilege] approach the throne of grace [that is, the throne of God’s gracious favor] with confidence and without fear, so that we may receive mercy [for our failures] and find [His amazing] grace to help in time of need [an appropriate blessing, coming just at the right moment].